Antibiotics for trachoma.

European evidence-based (S3) guideline for the treatment of acne - update 2016 - short version.

BackgroundActive trachoma is not uniformly distributed in endemic areas, and local environmental factors influencing its prevalence are not yet adequately understood. Determining whether clustering is a consistent phenomenon may help predict likely modes of transmission and help to determine the appropriate level at which to target control interventions. The aims of this study were, therefore, to disentangle the relative importance of clustering at different levels and to assess the respective role of individual, socio-demographic, and environmental factors on active trachoma prevalence among children in Mali.Methodology/Principal FindingsWe used anonymous data collected during the Mali national trachoma survey (1996–1997) at different levels of the traditional social structure (14,627 children under 10 years of age, 6,251 caretakers, 2,269 households, 203 villages). Besides field-collected data, environmental variables were retrieved later from various databases at the village level. Bayesian hierarchical logistic models were fit to these prevalence and exposure data. Clustering revealed significant results at four hierarchical levels. The higher proportion of the variation in the occurrence of active trachoma was attributable to the village level (36.7%), followed by household (25.3%), and child (24.7%) levels. Beyond some well-established individual risk factors (age between 3 and 5, dirty face, and flies on the face), we showed that caretaker-level (wiping after body washing), household-level (common ownership of radio, and motorbike), and village-level (presence of a women's association, average monthly maximal temperature and sunshine fraction, average annual mean temperature, presence of rainy days) features were associated with reduced active trachoma prevalence.Conclusions/SignificanceThis study clearly indicates the importance of directing control efforts both at children with active trachoma as well as those with close contact, and at communities. The results support facial cleanliness and environmental improvements (the SAFE strategy) as population-health initiatives to combat blinding trachoma.

Trachoma remains a major cause of avoidable blindness among underprivileged populations in many developing countries. It is estimated that about 146 million people have active trachoma and nearly six million people are blind due to complications associated with repeat infections. The objective of this review is to assess the effects of face washing on the prevalence of active trachoma in endemic communities. We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials - CENTRAL (which contains the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Group trials register) on The Cochrane Library (Issue 2, 2004), MEDLINE (1966 to February 2004), EMBASE (1980 to February 2004), the reference lists of identified trials and the Science Citation Index. We also contacted investigators and experts in the field to identify additional trials. We included randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials, comparing face washing with no treatment or face washing combined with antibiotics against antibiotics alone. Participants in the trials were people normally resident in endemic trachoma communities. Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed trial quality. Study authors were contacted for additional information. Two clinically heterogeneous trials are included, therefore a meta-analysis was considered inappropriate. This review includes two trials with data from a total of 2560 participants. Face washing combined with topical tetracycline was compared to topical tetracycline alone in three pairs of villages in one trial. The trial found a statistically significant effect for face washing combined with topical tetracycline in reducing 'severe' active trachoma compared to topical tetracycline alone. No statistically significant difference was observed between the intervention and control villages in reducing ('non-severe') active trachoma. The prevalence of clean faces was higher in the intervention villages than the control villages and this was statistically significant. Another trial compared eye washing to no treatment or to topical tetracycline alone or to a combination of eye washing and tetracycline drops in children with follicular trachoma. The trial found no statistically significant benefit of eye washing alone or in combination with tetracycline eye drops in reducing follicular trachoma amongst children with follicular trachoma. There is some evidence that face washing combined with topical tetracycline can be effective in reducing severe trachoma and in increasing the prevalence of clean faces. Current evidence does not however support a beneficial effect of face washing alone or in combination with topical tetracycline in reducing active trachoma.

To estimate post-war burdens of trachomatous trichiasis (TT) and multi-level risk factors among displaced population in Raya Kobo districts, implication for urgent action. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 603 participants from randomly selected 14 displaced slums in the Raya Kobo district. The data was collected from February 16th to March 30th, 2023. Study participants were selected using the multistage sampling technique. A structured questionnaire and ophthalmic loupe with ×2.5 magnificence were used to collect from participants. Multi-level binary logistic regression was used to determine associated factors with TT infection. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were claimed for the strength of association at P<0.05. We recruited 602 (99.9%) participants for the final analysis. From the total, 126 (20.9%) and 98 (16.3%, 95%CI: 13.5%-19.4%) participants were diagnosed with active trachoma & TT infection, respectively. Being age ≥45y (AOR=7.9, 95%CI: 2.4-25.3), having multiple eye infections (AOR=2.73, 95%CI: 1.47-5.29), poor wealth index (AOR=9.2; 95%CI: 2.7-23.7) and twice face washing per day (AOR=0.082, 95%CI: 0.03-0.21) has identified as individual as factors for TT infection. Whereas, distance between clean water source ≥10 km (AOR=6.5, 95%CI: 3.9-31.3), and latrine availability (AOR=0.35, 95%CI: 0.21-0.58) were the two community-level factors associated with TT infections. The high prevalence of TT infection post-war throughout the study districts indicates a need for urgent clinical intervention in addition to rapid scaling up surgery, antibiotics, facial cleanliness, and environmental improvement (SAFE) strategies, strategy for high-risk population. Age≥45y, distance from the clean water source, poor wealth indexes, and eye infection are identified to be risk factors for TT infection. Furthermore, community-level preventative factors for TT infection are found as latrine availability and face washing practice.

Background. Trachoma is the most common infectious cause of blindness worldwide. Once an epidemic in most parts of the world, it has largely now disappeared from developed countries. However, it continues to be endemic in many developing countries like Ethiopia. Even if several studies were conducted in different parts of Ethiopia, most of them did not show the independent predictors for rural and urban children separately. Therefore, this study aimed at assessing the prevalence and associated factors of active trachoma in urban and rural children. Methods. Community based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in Dera woreda. Multistage sampling technique was used to select 671 children of one up to nine years of age. Data were collected by face to face interview and observation using a structured and pretested questionnaire. Binary Logistic Regression Model was fitted to consider adding independent predictors of outcome. Results. Out of 671 children, 20 (9.3%) of urban and 85 (18.6%) of rural children were positive for active trachoma. Having discharge on eye (AOR = 6.9, 95% CI: 1.79–27.89), presence of liquid waste around the main house (AOR = 5.6, 95% CI: 1.94–16.18), and living in households without latrine (AOR = 4.39, 95% CI: 1.39–13.89) were significantly associated with active trachoma of urban children. Rural children who had discharge on their eye (AOR = 5.86, 95% CI: 2.78–12.33), those who had unclean face (AOR = 4.68, 95% CI: 2.24–9.81), and those living in households with feces around their main houses (AOR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.04–3.62) were significantly associated with active trachoma. Conclusion. The result showed that the prevalence of active trachoma in urban areas of the district was below WHO threshold of 10% to determine trachoma as public health problem. However, in rural areas of the district it is far from elimination of trachoma as a public health problem. Thus, in order to improve awareness of the community there is a need of health education programs regarding facial cleanliness, utilization of latrine, and proper solid waste and liquid waste disposal using multidisciplinary approach.

Eczema may flare because of bacterial infection, but evidence supporting antibiotic treatment is of low quality. We aimed to determine the effect of oral and topical antibiotics in addition to topical emollient and corticosteroids in children with clinically infected eczema. We employed a 3-arm, blinded, randomized controlled trial in UK ambulatory care. Children with clinical, non-severely infected eczema were randomized to receive oral and topical placebos (control), oral antibiotic (flucloxacillin) and topical placebo, or topical antibiotic (fusidic acid) and oral placebo, for 1 week. We compared Patient Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM) scores at 2 weeks using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). We randomized 113 children (40 to control, 36 to oral antibiotic, and 37 to topical antibiotic). Mean (SD) baseline Patient Oriented Eczema Measure scores were 13.4 (5.1) for the control group, 14.6 (5.3) for the oral antibiotic group, and 16.9 (5.5) for the topical antibiotic group. At baseline, 104 children (93%) had 1 or more of the following findings: weeping, crusting, pustules, or painful skin. Mean (SD) POEM scores at 2 weeks were 6.2 (6.0) for control, 8.3 (7.3) for the oral antibiotic group, and 9.3 (6.2) for the topical antibiotic group. Controlling for baseline POEM score, neither oral nor topical antibiotics produced a significant difference in mean (95% CI) POEM scores (1.5 [-1.4 to 4.4] and 1.5 [-1.6 to 4.5] respectively). There were no significant differences in adverse effects and no serious adverse events. We found rapid resolution in response to topical steroid and emollient treatment and ruled out a clinically meaningful benefit from the addition of either oral or topical antibiotics. Children seen in ambulatory care with mild clinically infected eczema do not need treatment with antibiotics.

Pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores, decubitus ulcers and pressure injuries, are localised areas of injury to the skin or the underlying tissue, or both. A range of treatments with antimicrobial properties, including impregnated dressings, are widely used in the treatment of pressure ulcers. A clear and current overview is required to facilitate decision making regarding use of antiseptic or antibiotic therapies in the treatment of pressure ulcers. This review is one of a suite of Cochrane reviews investigating the use of antiseptics and antibiotics in different types of wounds. It also forms part of a suite of reviews investigating the use of different types of dressings and topical treatments in the treatment of pressure ulcers. To assess the effects of systemic and topical antibiotics, and topical antiseptics on the healing of infected and uninfected pressure ulcers being treated in any clinical setting. In October 2015 we searched: the Cochrane Wounds Specialised Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library), Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid MEDLINE (In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations), Ovid EMBASE, and EBSCO CINAHL Plus. We also searched three clinical trials registries and the references of included studies and relevant systematic reviews. There were no restrictions based on language or date of publication or study setting. Randomised controlled trials which enrolled adults with pressure ulcers of stage II or above were included in the review. Two review authors independently performed study selection, risk of bias assessment and data extraction. We included 12 trials (576 participants); 11 had two arms and one had three arms. All assessed topical agents, none looked at systemic antibiotics. The included trials assessed the following antimicrobial agents: povidone iodine, cadexomer iodine, gentian violet, lysozyme, silver dressings, honey, pine resin, polyhexanide, silver sulfadiazine, and nitrofurazone with ethoxy-diaminoacridine. Comparators included a range of other dressings and ointments without antimicrobial properties and alternative antimicrobials. Each comparison had only one trial, participant numbers were low and follow-up times short. The evidence varied from moderate to very low quality.Six trials reported the primary outcome of wound healing. All except one compared an antiseptic with a non-antimicrobial comparator. There was some moderate and low quality evidence that fewer ulcers may heal in the short term when treated with povidone iodine compared with non-antimicrobial alternatives (protease-modulating dressings (risk ratio (RR) 0.78, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.62 to 0.98) and hydrogel (RR 0.64, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.97)); and no clear difference between povidone iodine and a third non-antimicrobial treatment (hydrocolloid) (low quality evidence). Pine resin salve may heal more pressure ulcers than hydrocolloid (RR 2.83, 95% CI 1.14 to 7.05) (low quality evidence). There is no clear difference between cadexomer iodine and standard care, and between honey a combined antiseptic and antibiotic treatment (very low quality evidence).Six trials reported adverse events (primary safety outcome). Four reported no adverse events; there was very low quality evidence from one showing no clear evidence of a difference between cadexomer iodine and standard care; in one trial it was not clear whether data were appropriately reported.There was limited reporting of secondary outcomes. The five trials that reported change in wound size as a continuous outcome did not report any clear evidence favouring any particular antiseptic/anti-microbial treatments. For bacterial resistance, one trial found some evidence of more MRSA eradication in participants with ulcer treated with a polyhexanide dressing compared with a polyhexanide swab (RR 1.48, 95% CI 1.02 to 2.13); patients in the dressing group also reported less pain (MD -2.03, 95% CI -2.66 to -1.40). There was no clear evidence of a difference between interventions in infection resolution in three other comparisons. Evidence for secondary outcomes varied from moderate to very low quality; where no GRADE assessment was possible we identified substantial limitations which an assessment would have taken into account. The relative effects of systemic and topical antimicrobial treatments on pressure ulcers are not clear. Where differences in wound healing were found, these sometimes favoured the comparator treatment without antimicrobial properties. The trials are small, clinically heterogenous, generally of short duration, and at high or unclear risk of bias. The quality of the evidence ranges from moderate to very low; evidence on all comparisons was subject to some limitations.

Trachoma causes blindness as a result of repeated ocular infection with Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct). International efforts are focused on eliminating trachoma as a public health problem by 2020; the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) and the Global Alliance for the Elimination of Trachoma by 2020 (GET2020) (1) recommend the SAFE strategy (Surgery to treat trichiasis, Antibiotics to treat infection with Ct, Facial cleanliness and Environmental change to reduce transmission) (2). Current implementation guidelines for the A, F and E aspects of the strategy are based on the prevalence of trachomatous inflammation-follicular (TF) in children aged 1-9 years. Antibiotics are administered as azithromycin mass drug administration (MDA) to all residents of districts wherein the prevalence of TF in 1-9 year old children is greater than 10% (3). As we approach the global elimination of trachoma, the prevalence of TF in children will decline towards the elimination threshold of 5%, and with it, the positive predictive value of TF. This may result in inappropriate, continued administration of antibiotics, which is a mis-use of valuable financial and person resources, as well as raising concerns about antimicrobial stewardship. Once the prevalence of TF in children aged 1-9 years is below 5%, re-emergence must be monitored. The WHO recommends a ‘pre-validation’ survey to determine if re-emergence has occurred (4). The 2014 Technical Consultation on Trachoma Surveillance (4) recommended exploring the district-level prevalence of TF, the district-level prevalence of conjunctival infection with Ct and the district-level prevalence of antibodies against Ct, to determine an appropriate measure, or combination of measures, for deciding when to stop MDA. Numerous methods exist for detecting antibodies against Ct antigens (5–9). Specimens may be collected by venepuncture or from fingerprick, stored as whole blood, serum or dried blood spots on filter paper, and assayed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), lateral flow assays (LFA), or multiplex bead assay (MBA); of theses, MBA allows for the testing for antibodies against numerous antigens from endemic infections, but the required instrumentation and reagents are more cost-intensive. Historically, serology for Ct fell out of favour due to the high cross-reaction with antigens from C pneumoniae, however, with the advent of new proteomic tools and assays with greater reported sensitivity and specificity, serology has re-emerged as a potential tool for monitoring the prevalence of antibody-inducing chlamydial infection (4,10,11). Both ELISA and MBA assays present output as numerical data, which must be translated to a population seroprevalence value. Therefore, a method must be determined for dichotomising numerical data and setting a threshold between seropositive and seronegative samples. Receiver 5 Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves have previously been used, but these rely on appropriate reference standards. Alternate methods that rely solely on the data generated within a study, such as finite mixture modelling, may be more appropriate (12–15). Once seropositivity has been estimated, it is of interest to detect changes in the age-specific seroprevalence of a population. Catalytic models have previously been used to monitor changes in the prevalence of malaria (13,16–22) and this methodology can be applied to detect changes in transmission as a proxy for the force of infection (FOI) as well as to estimate seroconversion rates, and to a lesser extent, seroreversion rates (13,19). The simplicity of dichotomous seroprevalence estimates may provide lower resolution information than the quantitative antibody levels. Recent work uses quantitative antibody levels to measure changes in transmission (23). Ensemble machine learning can be used to produce characteristic agespecific antibody curves that may reveal changes in population mean antibody levels that would otherwise be masked because changes occurred above or below the seropositivity threshold. There remain several areas to be elucidated. While antigens used in modern serological studies are considered specific for Ct, there is yet no way to distinguish between antibodies due to ocular infection or genital infection, making serological studies in anyone over the age of sexual debut a challenge. There is no standard reference for antibody levels, making a comparison between different studies challenging. The two most commonly used assays produce different output data: ELISAs measures optical density- the amount of light absorbed by the specimen- while MBAs detect fluorescence in an assayed specimen. An internal standard would allow for comparison between the two assays. This PhD research addresses several key questions about the use of serology and Ct-specific antibodies for monitoring the prevalence of trachoma. As more countries progress to eliminating trachoma as a public health problem by 2020, efforts will need to be increased to monitor and evaluate elimination efforts and to prevent re-emergence of the disease. Serological techniques may be ideal for such activities.

Systemic antibiotics and antibiotic-impregnated shunt (AIS) systems are often used to prevent shunt infection. The authors conducted a systematic review to evaluate its effectiveness of antibiotics in patients who underwent placement of intracranial ventricular shunts. The authors searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, and the meeting proceedings from the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and from the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies until June 2005. Randomized and quasi-randomized trials comparing the use of prophylactic antibiotics (either systemic or AIS systems) in intracranial ventricular shunt procedures with placebo or no antibiotics were included in the review. Seventeen trials involving 2134 patients were included. Results from the meta-analysis showed that the use of systemic antibiotic prophylaxis for internal shunts was associated with a decrease in shunt infection (odds ratio 0.51; 95% confidence interval 0.36-0.73). The authors found no significant differences between the subgroups evaluated in type of internal shunt (ventriculoperitoneal/ventriculoatrial), age, or duration of the administration of antibiotics. The authors found a benefit of systemic prophylactic antibiotics in preventing shunt infection, regardless of the patient's age and the type of internal shunt used. The benefit of its use after the first 24 hours postoperatively remains uncertain. Future trials should be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of different regimens of systemic antibiotics rather than placebo, namely single preoperative dose versus multiple doses. It should also be mandatory to evaluate the effectiveness of systemic prophylactic antibiotics for external ventricular drains. Evidence suggests that antibiotic-impregnated catheters reduce the incidence of shunt infection, although more well-designed clinical trials are needed.

Purpose: A public health intervention study in Vietnam was conducted between 2002 and 2005 to assess the impact of improved water and sanitation facilities and increased awareness about active trachoma in the community. Methods: In My Thon village (MT), all four components of the SAFE strategy were implemented. In Xom Ngoai village (XN), only the S & A components of the trachoma control strategy were implemented. The villagers improved water and sanitation facilities in MT. Women's Union and school authorities assisted in increasing awareness in the community. Ophthalmologists examined the residents for trachoma. The decline in active trachoma and other water-related diseases was determined by pre- and post-intervention assessments. The impact of the differential F & E strategy on two villages was evaluated. Results: The active trachoma prevalence in MT (SAFE) and XN (SA) at baseline was 13.3% and 10.2%, respectively. In two years, the masons constructed or improved 281 double-vault and three septic tank latrines, 241 bathrooms, 273 dug wells and 252 water tanks in MT. The prevalence in MT (SAFE) & XN (SA) after two years was 1.4% and 6.7%, respectively. The additional decline of active trachoma due to the differential F & E strategy among children under the age of 15 was 6.8%. The F & E strategy was responsible for 58.7% of the decline at all ages and 37.4% in children under the age of 15. Knowledge of the prevention of trachoma had improved in two years. However, the attitude towards and practice of trachoma control were not different in the two villages. Conclusions: ‘F’ & ‘E’ implementation made a significant contribution to the reduction of active trachoma. Community participation and collaborative efforts of partners are crucial. The indicators used to monitor F & E strategies are interrelated and therefore should be evaluated together.

To compare the impact of mass treatment with oral azithromycin and topical tetracycline on the prevalence of active trachoma. A total of 1803 inhabitants from 106 households of eight Gambian villages were randomized, in pairs, to receive either three doses of azithromycin at weekly intervals, or daily topical tetracycline over 6 weeks. Ocular examinations were conducted before treatment, and 2, 6 and 12 months after treatment. Prior to treatment, 16% of the study participants had active trachoma. Two months after treatment, the prevalence of trachoma was 4.6% and 5.1% in the azithromycin and the tetracycline groups, respectively (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.09; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.53, 2.02). Subsequently, the prevalence rose to 16% in the tetracycline group, while remaining at 7.7% in the azithromycin group (adjusted OR at 12 months = 0.52; 95% CI = 0.34, 0.80). At 12 months post-treatment, there were fewer new prevalent cases in the azithromycin group, and trachoma resolution was significantly better for this group (adjusted OR = 2.02; 95% CI = 1.42, 3.50). Oral azithromycin therefore appears to offer a means for controlling blinding trachoma. It is easy to administer and higher coverages may be possible than have been achieved hitherto.

CDC continues to work with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners to investigate cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). This report updates information on reported SARS cases worldwide and among U.S. residents and summarizes information on one additional case with laboratory evidence of infection with the SARS-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV).

Background Systemic antibiotics and antibiotic-impregnated shunt systems are often used to prevent shunt infection. Objectives To evaluate the effectiveness of either prophylactic systemic antibiotics or antibiotic-impregnated shunt systems for preventing infection in patients who underwent surgical introduction of intracranial ventricular shunts. Search methods We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS and the meeting proceedings from the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and from the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies, until June 2005. Selection criteria We included randomized or quasi-randomized controlled trials comparing the use of prophylactic antibiotics (either systemic or antibiotic-impregnated shunt systems) in intracranial ventricular shunt procedures with placebo or no antibiotics. Data collection and analysis Two authors appraised quality and extracted data independently. Main results We included seventeen trials with overall 2134 participants. We performed two separate meta-analyses: one that evaluated the use of systemic prophylactic antibiotics and another that evaluated the use of antibiotic-impregnated systems. All studies included shunt infection in their primary outcome. We could not analyse all-cause mortality regarding systemic antibiotics due to lack of data. No significant differences were found (odds ratio (OR): 1.47, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.83 to 2.62) for this outcome regarding the use of antibiotic-impregnated catheters compared with standard ones. The use of systemic antibiotic prophylaxis and the use of antibiotic-impregnated catheters were associated with a decrease in shunt infection (OR: 0.52, 95% CI 0.36 to 0.74 and OR: 0.21, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.55 respectively). We found no significant benefit for shunt revision in both meta-analyses that evaluated systemic antibiotics and impregnated-shunt systems. We found no significant differences between the subgroups evaluated: type of shunt (internal/external, ventriculoperitoneal/ventriculoatrial), age and duration of the administration of antibiotics. Authors' conclusions We could demonstrate a benefit of systemic prophylactic antibiotics for the first 24 hours postoperatively to prevent shunt infection, regardless of the patient's age and the type of internal shunt used. The benefit of its use after this period remains uncertain. However this data derives from the rate of shunt infection, which is an intermediary outcome. Future trials should evaluate the effectiveness of different regimens of systemic antibiotics rather than placebo, and should include all-cause mortality, shunt revision and adverse events as additional outcomes. Evidence suggests that antibiotic-impregnated catheters reduce the incidence of shunt infection although more well-designed clinical trials testing the effect of antibiotic-impregnated shunts are required to confirm their net benefit.

AimAntimicrobial stewardship envisions the appropriate use of antimicrobials, including antibiotics. Antibiotic therapy in Periodontology has been widely investigated over the years. This umbrella review aimed to appraise the methodological quality and meta-analytical strength and validity of the evidence of systematic reviews (SRs) on systemic and local antibiotics in periodontal therapy.Material and methodsAfter registration of the protocol (PROSPERO CRD42024527222), an extensive search, up to March 2024, for SRs that have assessed the effect of antibiotics in periodontal therapy, either nonsurgical and surgical, regardless of the types of patients and type of antibiotic. The methodological quality of SRs was judged using A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews 2. Fail-safe number of Rosenberg explored the number of nonsignificant, unpublished, or missing studies that would be required to change the direction of that evidence.ResultsForty-four SRs, consisting of 221 meta-analyses, were included. The overall methodological quality was low, with only four and two SRs of high or moderate quality, respectively. Out of 221 meta-analyses, 69 indicated that the effect of systemic or local antibiotics was statistically not significant. Twenty-nine meta-analyses from suggestive-to-strong strength from one high and three low methodological quality SRs indicated that the systemic or local antibiotics had a beneficial, statistically significant effect on periodontal health parameters, such as average clinical attachment loss, bleeding on probing or percentage of pocket closure. Of those, four strong evidence meta-analyses from a low-quality systematic review indicated significant and meta-analytically robust but with negligible effect. About 65.5% of the meta-analyses with suggestive to strong evidence are unlikely to change with more future studies.ConclusionThere is no robust evidence to support the use of antibiotics for periodontal management. Systemic antibiotics have a minimal effect on periodontitis and additional studies are unlikely to change the level of evidence.

Purpose To determine the burden of trachoma and its related risk factors among the underserved population of sixteen states/union territories (UTs) in India. Methods Trachoma rapid assessment (TRA) was conducted in seventeen Enumeration Units (EUs) spanning sixteen states/UTs in India according to standard WHO guidelines. A total of ten clusters were selected in each EU and 50 children aged 1–9 years were assessed clinically for signs of active trachoma and facial cleanliness in each cluster. Additionally, all adults aged 15 years and above in the same households were examined for evidence of trachomatous trichiasis (TT) and corneal opacity. Environmental risk factors contributing to trachoma were also noted in all households. Results Out of 766 districts in India, seventeen EUs were selected for TRA depending on evidence of socio-developmental indicators like poverty and suboptimal access to water, sanitation, and healthcare facilities. The total population of the selected clusters was 21,774 in the 17 EUs. Overall, 104 of 8807 children (1.2%; CI: 0.9–1.4) had evidence of follicular or inflammatory stages of trachoma. Nearly 16.6% (CI:15.8–17.4) children were noted to have unclean faces in the 170 clusters. Trichiasis was noted in 19 adults (2.1 per 1000; CI:1.2–3.2 per 1000). Environmental sanitation was found to be unsatisfactory in two-thirds (67.8%) of the surveyed households in the clusters mainly due to improper garbage disposal. Conclusion Active trachoma was not a public health problem in any of the EUs surveyed. However, burden of TT among adults was found to be above 0.2% in two EUs; hence, further public health interventions like trichiasis surgery were recommended.